Religious Studies - Definitions

Key Definitions - Relevant to All Sections

Absolute Morality: This is when a person believes that there is a right course of action in a moral dilemma that is true in all situations, regardless of culture, religious tradition, time or age. For example: “It is always wrong to kill.”

Relative Morality: This is when a person has strong beliefs or principles but they believe that different courses of action might be needed in different situations. For example: “It is usually wrong to kill, but sometimes it might be necessary for a particular reason.”

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Religion and Animal Rights - Definitions

Stewardship: The God-given responsibility to look after the created world.

Khalifa: Islamic notion of being a guardian of creation

Conservation: Preserving the natural environment by protecting all life

Vegetarianism: The belief that killing animals for food is wrong, and a refusal to eat meat or use other animal products.

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Religion and Prejudice - Definitions

Prejudice - means to ‘pre-judge’ someone unfairly - having an attitudetowards certain groups of people based on ignorance or fear. It is based on stereotyped thinking, and is often linked to religion, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability.